Separating stainless steel and steel in one production hall
When stainless steel and carbon steel are processed in the same production hall, proper separation is important. Dust and iron particles released during processes such as grinding and cutting can settle on the stainless steel and affect its corrosion resistance. A physical barrier helps keep the two production processes better separated. This can be achieved in several ways, for example with grinding curtains, grinding strips, a fixed or sliding construction, or a complete work booth. Combinations are also possible. The most suitable solution depends mainly on the available space, the work being carried out and how employees and materials move through the hall.
The barrier must fit the production process
When carbon steel is processed, small metal particles can spread through the workspace and enter the stainless steel zone. A physical separation helps limit this, but it also needs to remain practical in daily production. With a largely fixed layout, grinding curtains can provide a practical separation. If large workpieces or machines regularly need to move between the two zones, the curtain system can be designed to slide aside so that a larger opening can be created when needed.
For frequently used access points, grinding strips can be more practical. Employees and materials can move through the strips, after which they fall back into place. Cepro grinding strips are intended to shield the surroundings during grinding and cutting work from, among other things, sparks, dust and metal particles.
If you want to separate a production process more completely, a work booth can also be suitable. Cepro’s modular work booths can be configured for grinding, assembly and other industrial activities and can incorporate features such as doors, windows and ventilation. These solutions do not have to be used separately. A fixed booth can, for example, be combined with transparent sections or a practical strip entrance. This allows the separation to be tailored to what actually happens inside the zone.
Transparent where possible, closed where necessary
Not every stainless steel zone needs to be completely hidden from view. Transparent grinding curtains or grinding strips can be useful when employees need to maintain visibility of movements, internal transport, work taking place on the other side or natural light within the area.
A more closed separation may be more appropriate when a clear visual division between the two zones is preferred.
The key point is that the material must match the work being carried out. Grinding curtains and grinding strips are intended for grinding and cutting applications. If welding is also carried out behind the same barrier and people on the other side may have a direct view of the welding process, different requirements apply. In that case, certified welding curtains or welding strips may be required.
The question is therefore not only how much visibility you want to retain, but especially: which activities take place on both sides of the barrier?
Consider daily use
A separation only works well if employees and materials can use it practically. An access point that constantly gets in the way is likely to remain open during day-to-day work.
Before choosing a solution, consider:
employee traffic routes;
the size of products and transport equipment;
the use of cranes, forklifts and pallet trucks;
how often and how far the barrier needs to be opened;
required sightlines and natural light;
airflow and existing installations.
This may show that a grinding curtain is sufficient, that a strip entrance is more practical or that the process is better placed inside a separate work booth. In some cases, a combination works best.
More than just a barrier
Separating stainless steel and carbon steel within one production hall involves more than simply hanging a curtain between two zones. The shielding needs to suit the processes, transport routes and daily movement within the space.
With more than 30 years of experience in safe workplace design, Cepro looks at the complete picture. From grinding curtains and grinding strips to modular work booths and custom-built constructions, the different solutions can be used individually or combined. And where welding also takes place, we assess which additional certified welding protection is required.
The result is not a standard partition, but a workplace layout that fits what actually happens in the hall. Cepro can help determine which combination is practical and suitable for your production environment.
We’re happy to help! Let’s discuss the possibilities and find the solution that best fits your workplace. Choose safety with Cepro.
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